Think you know everything there is to know about airplane cabins? All commercial airplanes have a cabin. Located within the fuselage, it’s the main interior section that houses the airplane’s cargo and passengers. Here are five fun facts about cabins.
#1) Average Temperature of 71 to 74 Degrees
The average cabin temperature is between 71 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Many passengers will agree, however, that the air actually feels cooler than 71 degrees. This is because the relative humidity in most commercial airplanes is about 10% to 20%. Combined with the fact that passengers remain still during flights, the air often feels cooler than 71 degrees.
#2) Seats Are Available in Four Classes
Cabin seats are available in four primary classes or configurations: economy, premium economy, business and first class. Economy is the cheapest, followed by premium economy, business and then first class. Aside from pricing, the space and amenities of each class vary. You’ll typically have a larger seat and more leg space in first class as opposed to economy or premium economy.
#3) Pressurized to 8,000 Feet
Most cabins are pressurized to an altitude of roughly 8,000 feet. What does this mean exactly? The air inside of an airplane’s cabin isn’t the same density as the air at cruising altitude. Commercial airplanes have a cruising altitude of about 30,000 feet. At this altitude, the air is thin. To provide passengers with a safer and more comfortable flying experience, they pressurize their cabins to the equivalent of 8,000 feet.
#4) Soundproofing Materials
Manufacturers must consider acoustics when designing cabins. Airplanes — especially large commercial jets — are noisy. Fortunately, modern-day airplanes feature soundproofing materials in their cabins. These materials are found in the walls, floors and ceilings. Also known as sound-dampening materials, they are designed to absorb sound vibrations so that passengers have a quieter and more enjoyable flying experience.
#5) In-Flight Entertainment Is Changing
In-flight entertainment has evolved over the years. In the past, passengers were often limited to watching movies or TV shows. While movies and TV shows are still available, passengers can now choose from a range of other in-flight entertainment options, such as music, video games, virtual tours, virtual reality, Wi-Fi internet connectivity and more.
